Abel tasman national park best time to visit top tips. Apr 03, 2019 abel tasman national park is new zealands smallest park. Beautiful track abel tasman coast track, abel tasman. If you are short of time experience the best of abel tasman s beautiful beaches and native forests with this one day guided walk. Located on the northern coastline of the south island, abel tasman is home to one of new zealands multiday walking tracks, aptly named the abel tasman coast track. You can choose to explore the park from land, on the water, or in the air, with tour operators aplenty offering cruises, water taxi services, kayaking options, helitours and sailing catamarans. Hiking the abel tasman coast track our tips and tricks. Talk to our local experts to pick the top abel tasman water taxi experiences. The trip we took is a boat ride all the way up the coast and then we got dropped off at onetahuti and hiked through to bark bay.
The track is in new zealands famous abel tasman national park, located at the top of the south island. Hike the entire abel tasman coastal track or just one or two parts to get an idea of this beautiful subtropical paradise of white golden beaches, turquoise blue crystalclear sea, and a lush coastal native bush with huge fern trees. Or pop into the nelson travel centre to chat to our friendly staff and book in person. Thats just one word to describe new zealands abel tasman national park. All our abel tasman water taxis have toilets on board and plenty of room to move around for photo opportunities. Find and book guided walking packages to experience this spectacular coastal track. The park isnt a loop track, so if you leave your car in one place you must arrange transport to get back to it or book a car relocation.
Places to stay there are 4 huts and 18 campsites along the abel tasman coast track, which must be booked in advance all year round. Abel tasman national park is accessible from the towns of marahau and kaiteriteri in the south, and from golden bay and totaranui in the north. Coastal track abel tasman national park tramping new zealand. Dunkirk to abel tasman national park 5 ways to travel. Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and lush coastal native bush, the abel tasman coast track has it all. Closer to the experts our boat skippers love the abel tasman. Welcome to abel tasman sea shuttle we are extraordinary transport and adventure tourism operators in the abel tasman national park, new zealand. Classed as one of the 10 new zealand great walks, blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches, remarkable rock formations, and lush coastal native bush, the 51 km abel tasman coast track has it all. However, if you have weak leg joints, or poor balance, you might prefer to bring them. Abel tasman coast track abel tasman national park 2020. Scheduled sailings depart daily and are a popular way to experience the abel tasman coastal track.
Book with wilsons abel tasman vista cruise and pay no more than a water taxi shuttle fare to travel in style. Jun 11, 2016 hiking the abel tasman coast track our tips and tricks. Abel tasman coastal track info and shuttle bus transport. Abel tasman sea shuttles welcome you into the beautiful abel tasman national park in new zealand. The abel tasman track is one of new zealands 9 great walks and therefore is extremely popular. Its common to start at the marahau end and walk north but your direction might be better worked out by considering the tides, ie, low tide, and judging when best able to cross the awaroa inlet crossing. Guide to walking the abel tasman track kayak new zealand. Hiking the abel tasman coast track, new zealand ultimate. Aquataxi into the heart of the park, onetahuti and walk part of the abel tasman coastal track to anchorage 6hrs. Abel tasman national park ferries and water taxis new zealand.
Visit the historic spot at whariwharangi where abel tasman the european discoverer of new zeeland was repelled by local maori. One way water taxi fares with abel tasman sea shuttles. Charter the vigour water taxi if our schedule does not suit you. Come with us to experience abel tasman with a familyowned company connected with this coast for more 160 years. There are 4 huts and 18 campsites along the abel tasman coast track, which must be booked in advance all year round. Abel tasman coast track blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and coastal forest, the abel tasman coast track really has it all. Hop on a water taxi and walk from bay to bay on the beautiful abel tasman coastal track. Entirely different than the rest of the country, its a true hikers paradise, either for the experienced trekker or the beginner hiker. We will hike for three days along pristine beaches, crossing tidal estuaries, and enjoying the tasman sea.
Water taxies and smaller ferries, make even the remote places around new zealand accessible. Easy water taxi connections, but watch the tides abel. We leave marahau midafternoon and start our way on the great walk through a long impressive marsh, remembering us of our dear brittany. The abel tasman coast track is a 60 kilometres 37 mi long walking track within the abel tasman national park in new zealand. You can take the water taxi for part of the track s length and walk back out again the same day, or sign up for one of the guided walks and luxury lodges instead. Marahau water taxis 2020 all you need to know before you.
This is also a great place for kayaking, exploring the wide, empty beaches, and walking on trails amidst a rainforest. Marahau water taxis provides water transportation services in the abel tasman national park, all year round. One day in abel tasman national park earth trekkers. Abel tasman national park ferries and water taxis directory. Situated at the top of new zealands south island near the towns of motueka and takaka, the coastal track will amaze you with its beautiful golden beaches, native bush and wildlife. I will be staying in kaiteriteri and visiting atnp on december 9th, 10th, and 11th. Choose to hike the whole track, water taxi between different locations or kayak from marahau to campsites. Ill start my adventure by cycling to motueka and taking a water taxi out to totaranaui beach. Step ashore at bark bay and follow the famed abel tasman coastal track through native forests and along empty beaches. Whether youre looking for a short walk, a scenic day out, or a multiday hiking adventure, we have a trip option to suit. Abel tasman coast track new zealand hiking trails tourism.
Combine hiking and laying on the beach for a paradisal backpacking experience. We took the marahau water taxi for the full day experience of absolute abel tasman and it was amazing. The nature is stunning, food is amazing and people are great. Abel tasman classic catch a morning water taxi into the park, checking out the coastline right up to totaranui and back to torrent bay. Fees are charged per person, per night to stay in huts and campsites on the abel tasman coast track. Take a water taxi, walk the coastal track and sail in the. Abel tasman is truly one of the most beautiful corners on earth, it is definitely the mustdo thing in new zealand. You have 25 minutes from now to complete the payment process. There are no fees to complete a day walk on the track or for entry into the abel tasman national park. From totaranui, whether you arrive by road or water taxi, enjoy a 4hour walk on day one around the headlands and through awaroa bay to onetahuti. Oct 01, 2018 abel tasman coast track blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and coastal forest, the abel tasman coast track really has it all. Whilst summer is a popular time to visit, locals believe that the shoulder.
Over 4 days you will walk the entire length of the abel tasman coastal track with all your necessities taken care of and a guide to delight. A wellformed trail leads up and over a gentle ridge into torrent bay, where you check out the clear, fresh water of cleopatras pool before continuing to anchorage, from where you boat back to kaiteriteri. We are going to spend 7 weeks in new zealand this novemberdecember. Enjoy a scenic cruise of the abel tasman aboard one of our three purpose built motorised catamaran water taxis, with easy walk on access for all age groups. Abel tasman aqua taxi provides water taxi trips, sea shuttle services, guided tours, seal watching cruises and packluggage transport in abel tasman national park, new zealand.
Aquataxi gets you closer to those outoftheway spots along the abel tasman coastline. Check out our day, and multiday packages for an abel tasman national park experience combining coach trips and boat cruising with a walk on the abel tasman coast track. During your journey theyll share their stories and years of knowledge with you, unscripted and. Abel tasman coastal track this is the top thing to do in abel tasman since the coastal track is listed as one of new zealands great walks. The track is named for the famous dutch explorer, abel tasman, who first came to the area in the 1600s. Choose to walk the whole track or water taxi or kayak between different locations at any time of the year.
Abel tasman coast track abel tasman national park all you. To combine on existing trips to and from abel tasman if you want to combine on a chartered trip contact us or book online a. Its easy to see why kayaking along the abel tasman coastal track has become world famous. Booking a water taxi into the abel tasman has never been easier our online booking service lets you design your own trip and receive instant confirmation. We also have a fully stocked general store, accommodation and a waterfront cafe with a beer garden. Book an abel tasman water taxi, with skipper, for a 3hour cruise around the best parts of abel tasman park. Abel tasman coast track get out and walk air new zealand uk. Is it necessary to pre book water taxis in advance to visit abel tasman national park. If you have more time to spend in abel tasman national park, here are some other things you can do. Marahau water taxis is the only water transport company operating in the abel tasman to have its own general store, camping ground, sea.
Our water taxi base is located close to the entrance of the abel tasman coastal track. This is one of those areas you can see yourself ok, me returning to for an annual summer vacation or getaway with friends. Apr 14, 2014 but i also wanted to remind myself that i only had a little introduction to abel tasman too, and i cant wait to go back. Abel tasman national park scenic cruises and water taxis escape the ordinary. Come join me for this 50image photo journal as i cycle and hike across new zealand. The abel tasman national park is an easilyaccessible coastal paradise. Welcome to the abel tasman coast track, one of ten unforgettable journeys. Why not add on some kayaking as part of your abel tasman coastal. The resurgence is 1520 minutes drive from kaiteriteri and marahau, gateways to the abel tasman and the start of the day trips. A complete guide to hiking the abel tasman track new zealand.
There is one compulsory tidal crossing consult a tide timetable before booking your trip. The abel tasman track is new zealands most popular tramp, catering to 200,000 walkers each year, because of its moderately easy path, mild weather yearround, and the ample amount of camping provided. On day one we walked the coastal track from awaroa to medlands beach. The abel tasman national park contains a great number of walk sections, trip. Tours with abel tasman sea shuttles to abel tasman. The coastal track is well formed and walking sticks are not necessary. A popular way to walk the majority of the abel tasman coastal track in 3 days is to go from totaranui to marahau, or the other way around, with nights at onetahuti and the anchorage. Find independent hiking options for you to experience the track. The abel tasman coastal track goes, err, around the coast of the abel tasman national park, about 65 km by road west of nelson. Mar 21, 2020 the abel tasman coast track will delight anyone backpacking in new zealand with its beautiful ocean views, calm beaches, and lush forests. The abel tasman national park is the best bit of new zealand. Travel with speed and style for the same fare as a small water taxi on our vista cruise shuttle service. I am not sure of the exact times during each day when i will need to take the water taxi. Abel tasman coast track get out and walk events and.
This is a very detailed account of our day hike in abel tasman. Marahau water taxis is 100% locally owned and operated. Catch a morning water taxi into the park along the length of the incredible abel tasman coastline right up to totaranui and then back to either onetahuti or bark bay. We specialise in taking clients into the abel tasman national park by boat with our customised fleet of ferries and.
Your accommodation is now reserved but is not confirmed until you complete the payment process. This email address is being protected from spambots. It is one of two main tracks through the park, the other being the abel tasman inland track, which stretches for 38 km between tinline bay and torrent bay off the main coastal track. Abel tasman national park things to see and do nelson. Abel tasman national park ferries are relatively affordable and are a great way to reach different parts of new zealand. Book your tickets online for abel tasman coast track, abel tasman national park. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the abel tasman from the comfort of our purposebuilt, quiet and ecofriendly water taxis. Before you start hiking, it is necessary to check high and low tide schedule.
Tours with abel tasman sea shuttles to abel tasman national park. Totally excellent walking tracks in abel tasman national park coastal track. Walk the whole track in either direction, take a water taxi or kayak between different locations. I will be visiting abel tasman in feb, 2011 for 4 days. Absolutely you are coming at the start of peak season and the water taxis are. All of our boats have ramps so that you dont have to start your journey with wet feet.
Most tours and water taxi services depart from marahau or kaiteriteri, though, so i recommend staying south of the park. Marahau is located right at the beginning of the abel tasman coastal track, the closest departure point for the park. We would leave our campervan in marahau and end in wainui bay. Walk an epic section of the abel tasman coastal track from torrent bay to bark bay 2. This guide will go over everything you need to know about the abel tasman track and how to prepare for one of the best hikes out there. Abel tasman aquataxi abel tasman new zealands most. One of the things on our list is doing the 5day abel tasman coastal track independently. Your trip to new zealand would not be complete without visiting abel tasman. Abel tasman national park water taxi wilsons abel tasman. Our base, the abel tasman centre, has plenty of free customer car parking.
It extends from marahau in the south to wainui in the north, with many side tracks. Departing from kaiteriteri or totaranui thoughout the year. Walk the whole track in either direction, take a water taxi. Abel tasman aquataxi provides water taxi trips, sea shuttle services, scenic cruises and packluggage. Marahau water taxis provides water transportation services in the abel tasman. No trip to the abel tasman is complete without getting out on the water. Paddle along golden sand coastlines, into quiet bays, through marine reserves with plenty of native marine life. Jan 08, 2019 other things to do in abel tasman national park. Walk a section of the coastal track enjoying the abel tasmans incredible beaches soaking up the elevated views of pictureperfect bays before returning on an afternoon water taxi.
The abel tasman coast track will delight anyone backpacking in new zealand with its beautiful ocean views, calm beaches, and lush forests. To make a booking for torrent bay please call us on 0800 278 282. Pay your fees by booking the huts andor campsites before you start the track. This makes it ideal for oneway trips into the abel tasman and then a walk back to your vehicle. Trek express provide trampers transport to abel tasman track. In this 15th volume ill be hiking the able tasman track. A halfday kayaking trip in abel tasman national park in new. This is primarily as there are endless day trippers, taking advantage of water taxis to start anywhere along the track, which does rather spoil the tranquility but it is still a. Nelsontasman region forums abel tasman national park forum. Abel tasman national park ferries, water taxis and water buses may provide public transport in urban waters for passengers. I want to walk the coastal path in sections using water taxis to get back to my car each night. What is great about abel tasman is that you can do anything from a 1 day hike on the track to a 5 day trek as you complete the entire trail. A halfday kayaking trip in abel tasman national park in. You will have to book quite far in advance in order for us to be successful with confirming the dates you request, especially if you wish to travel at the height of the season which is february and march.